When Can Utah Juveniles Get Probation?

Utah juveniles who are adjudicated in juvenile court may be eligible for probation; only a judge can make that decision.

The Probation Process

Probation for Utah juveniles begins the moment a judge enters an order for probation. Probation is an indefinite time period and can only end with a court order. Depending on the severity of the offense, a juvenile might be placed immediately in detention or may spend two weeks under house arrest.

Within a couple of days, a probation officer with the juvenile court will contact the youth’s family and arrange for an appointment where they will discuss a variety of topics including the probation order, house arrest and drug testing.

First Month of Probation

This time period is an assessment and planning phase during which the probation officer interviews the youth and his family and others who can help the probation officer determine the best course of action for helping the delinquent youth.

Protective and Risk Assessment

This tool is utilized by probation officers to help determine a youth’s risk and protection factors. Risk factors are issues that could put a youth at risk for reoffending. Protective factors include situations that could help a youth not reoffend.

Once the top three risk factors are identified by the probation officer, those factors become the focus of the plan to help the youth. They may be his goals for avoiding reoffending. The hope is that when risk factors are nailed down, a plan can be put into place for helping a youth stay on the right track.

After the first month of probation, each juvenile is placed into a risk level so that he can be supervised appropriately. Higher risk youth will receive greater supervision and structure. The probation officer will then keep tabs on each youth and make regular reports to the juvenile court judge.

Talk to a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney

If your child is adjudicated in juvenile court, it makes sense to hire an experienced Utah juvenile defense attorney to make sure that your child receives the appropriate treatment for him. There isn’t a one size fits all category in juvenile court, and your child’s attorney can assist in helping see that your child is treated fairly. Talk to a Utah juvenile defense attorney today.